From the dirty past to the clean future: Addressing historic energy injustices with a just transition to a low-carbon future

Citation: Cha, J. Mijin. (2018). "From the dirty past to the clean future: Addressing historic energy injustices with a just transition to a low-carbon future".

Abstract:

Transitioning to a low-carbon economy is a fundamental step necessary to stave off the worst impacts of climate change. Yet, it is also true that such a transition will cause economic distress to regions and workers that rely upon fossil fuel extraction for economic security. Moreover, these communities and workers have long histories of sacrificing life and livelihood to provide fuel for economic growth. To be just, climate change policy must reduce greenhouse gas emissions and also provide a path for fossil fuel communities and workers to successfully transition into a low-carbon future. This chapter begins with an overview of energy justice as a subset of climate justice within two spheres. One, the disproportionate health impacts and economic dependence imposed upon energy extracting communities and workers is an injustice that must be addressed. Two, within the ideals of energy justice, and in turn climate justice, the impact of greenhouse gas reduction efforts on fossil fuel extracting communities and workers is a necessary consideration that must be as important as emissions reductions in order to achieve a just transition to a low-carbon economy. Without this consideration, the solutions to climate change will, in and of themselves, become drivers of inequality, which will ultimately hinder progress on climate change. Historically, declining industries have largely failed to transition workers and communities successfully. The dominance of fossil fuels in our economies and societies makes the need for successful just transition programs even more urgent. This chapter provides a case study analysis of the formerly coal-dominant region of Ruhr, Germany, one of the few successful examples of just transition, to determine what elements and policies were essential to a successful transition. These findings can then inform future just transition programs.